Riverside Camping in the Heart of Hot Springs

We stitched our way through the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee while weaving and winding along scenic back country roads with endless pastoral views. Abandoned tobacco barns were plentiful in this region. The fields, however, filled with row after row of tobacco plants told a different tale than the facilities lying in disrepair would lead you to believe. I like them, the rundown ruins give the landscape special character. After many more twists, turns and tobacco barns, we finally reached the quaint little town of Hot Springs.

The first order of business upon arrival was to check in to the Hot Springs campground, which happened to be one of the very first things you come to as you drive in to town, so we didn't get a chance to drive through and check the place out.

Armed with a parking pass and shoddy directions, we set out to find our riverside campsite. It was one of two that were still left when I called the day before! After a few bumps and turns later, we found our site tucked into a cul de sac of sorts. I felt as though we scored a perfect spot since it seemed a little more secluded--privacy is good, real good.

Upon stepping out of the car, the first thing you notice is the roaring French Broad River just footsteps away. It was a lot wider than I imagined it would be. In my mind, I pictured a babbling brook at our 'backdoor'. Instead, we were welcomed by a rather large expanse of semi-raging rapids (that may be a slight exaggeration)!

A panorama of the bridge we crossed earlier dominated the view as we stood at the water's edge. We were also greeted with friendly waves from the floaters passing by. In a matter of 5 minutes we had seen numerous inner tubes, duckies, and even a canoe or two lazily moving along. It quickly became apparent that water recreation is very popular in this corner of NC. I wanted to go for a lazy float down the French Broad too, but due to time constraints we were forced to save the 5 hour tour for the next time we visit.

I wasn't too sad since we had a 7:45pm reservation at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa to soak in a soothing mineral bath! But first, we had to get some grub!

Come back for the next Hot Springs "On-the-Fly Overnight" trip installment when I plan to share the great food we found in this tiny town! Also, a few additional photos can be seen on Facebook. Have a great weekend :D

I was trying to get my GF's interested in a weekend away but they all piked on me. Then we were going to stay over night in the city and do some city tours but that has been push back too.Hopefully we can still have our pamper weekend.

This looks like a lovely place to camp. I also think spas are the ultimate in pampering.

oh how i love hot springs, n.c. we almost bought some property there years ago, but decided on whittier and now cashiers instead. haven't ever been to the spa there, tho. hope it was as enjoyable as these pictures.

hey there! My husband and I, and our two dogs, are planning a camping trip (only my 2nd trip EVER!) and I'm considering Hot Springs Campground. Based on your post, it seems this campground is both scenic but PRIVATE as well, something I'm looking for. What site # was this? 407? Any other sites you can recommend there? Do you know if you can make advance reservations? Thanks for your help!

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My name is Jessica and I'm a wedding, engagement and lifestyle photographer based in Boone, NC. I'm known for capturing the spirit of the folks I photograph--the expressions, gestures, and details that are outward expressions of our innermost selves. I love working with couples, individuals and families who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to visit my website to learn more: www.wayfaringwanderer.com